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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for honors this season is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Latest Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of time for drills. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to dip into the January recruitment market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group win would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth successive Champions League match.

"The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."